WO2012048260A1 - Ensemble connecteur pour câble coaxial ondulé - Google Patents

Ensemble connecteur pour câble coaxial ondulé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012048260A1
WO2012048260A1 PCT/US2011/055429 US2011055429W WO2012048260A1 WO 2012048260 A1 WO2012048260 A1 WO 2012048260A1 US 2011055429 W US2011055429 W US 2011055429W WO 2012048260 A1 WO2012048260 A1 WO 2012048260A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
clamp
connector
compression
coaxial cable
connector body
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/055429
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2012048260A9 (fr
Inventor
Werner Wild
Noah Montena
Jeremy Amidon
Shawn Chawgo
Christopher Natoli
Gerhard Refle
Bernhard Strasser
Adam Nugent
Original Assignee
John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/077,582 external-priority patent/US8449325B2/en
Priority claimed from US13/178,490 external-priority patent/US8435073B2/en
Priority claimed from US13/228,441 external-priority patent/US8430688B2/en
Priority claimed from US13/228,445 external-priority patent/US8439703B2/en
Priority to MX2013003793A priority Critical patent/MX2013003793A/es
Priority to EP11773943.3A priority patent/EP2625752A1/fr
Priority to BR112013008467A priority patent/BR112013008467A2/pt
Priority to AU2011311815A priority patent/AU2011311815A1/en
Application filed by John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc. filed Critical John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
Priority to KR1020137011884A priority patent/KR20130126909A/ko
Priority to CA2813998A priority patent/CA2813998A1/fr
Publication of WO2012048260A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012048260A1/fr
Publication of WO2012048260A9 publication Critical patent/WO2012048260A9/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
    • H01R24/40—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency
    • H01R24/56—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency specially adapted to a specific shape of cables, e.g. corrugated cables, twisted pair cables, cables with two screens or hollow cables
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
    • H01R24/40—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency
    • H01R24/56—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency specially adapted to a specific shape of cables, e.g. corrugated cables, twisted pair cables, cables with two screens or hollow cables
    • H01R24/564—Corrugated cables
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00—Two poles

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to the field of coaxial cable connectors and more particularly to a contact connector assembly for use with coaxial cables having a center conductor.
  • Corrugated coaxial cables are electrical cables that are used as transmission lines for radio frequency signals. Coaxial cables are composed of an inner conductor surrounded by a flexible insulating layer, which in turn is surrounded by a corrugated outer conductor that acts as a conducting shield. An outer protective sheath or jacket surrounds the corrugated outer conductor.
  • a corrugated coaxial cable in an operational state typically has a connector affixed on either end of the cable.
  • the quality of the electrical connection between the coaxial cable and the respective connectors is of utmost importance. Indeed, the quality of the electrical connection can either positively or negatively impact the resulting electric signal as well as the performance of the connector.
  • One issue that negatively impacts the electric signal between the cable and the connector is the size of the connector in relation to the size of the cable.
  • specifically-sized connectors must be chosen for each size of cable that they are to be connected to. Improperly-sized connectors, or even improperly-selected connectors for a certain-sized cable, will negatively impact the electric signal between the cable and the connector, resulting in extremely low performance.
  • the present invention relates generally to the field of coaxial cable connectors and more particularly to a contact connector assembly for use with coaxial cables having a center conductor.
  • a coaxial cable assembly comprising a coaxial cable having an inner conductor, an exposed outer corrugated conductor, an insulator disposed between the inner and outer conductors, and a protective jacket disposed over the corrugated outer conductor; a connector body comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the body; a compression cap comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the cap, the first end of the compression cap being structured to engage the second end of the connector body; a clamp comprising a first end, a second end, an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the clamp for allowing the coaxial cable to axially pass therethrough, and an annular recess on the inner bore, the annular recess being structured to engage the outer corrugated conductor of the coaxial cable; and a compression surface disposed within the connector body, wherein axial advancement of one of the connector body and the compression cap toward the
  • the compression surface further defines a notch disposed radially outward of the oblique surface
  • the first end of the clamp further comprises a protrusion disposed radially outward of the oblique surface of the clamp and extending axially from the first end of the clamp, wherein the notch and the protrusion are structurally configured to functionally engage therebetween a portion of the corrugation of the outer conductor under the condition that the oblique surface of the clamp and the oblique surface of the compression surface crumple therebetween the corrugation of the outer conductor.
  • the coaxial cable assembly of paragraph 6 further comprising a compression ring comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bored defined between the first and second ends of the compression ring, wherein the compression ring is structured to functionally engage the inner bore of the connector body and wherein the second end of the compression ring functions as the compression surface.
  • compression ring further comprises an annular indentation, wherein under the condition that the clamp is axially advanced toward the compression surface the annular indentation engages a leading edge of the corrugation of the outer conductor of the cable, and wherein a portion of the corrugation deforms within the annular indentation and a remaining portion of the corrugation collapses between the compression surface and the clamp.
  • compression ring further comprises an oblique surface and an opposing oblique surface that are structurally configured to form a v-shaped indention in the second end of the compression ring, and wherein the first end of the clamp comprises an outer beveled edge and an inner beveled edge, the beveled edges being configured to form a v-shape in the first end of the clamp that is configured to fit within the v-shaped indention of the compression surface, such that under the condition that the clamp is axially advanced toward the compression surface a corrugation of an outer conductor of the cable collapses between the v-shaped indention of the compression surface and the v-shape in the first end of the clamp.
  • the clamp further comprises a plurality of radially displaceable sectors that collectively comprise the clamp, each sector being structured to independently radially displace under the condition that the coaxial cable passes through the clamp; and an elastic member disposed on an outer surface of the clamp, the elastic member being configured to maintain the relative position of the individual sectors with respect to one another during radial displacement of the individual sectors.
  • the coaxial cable assembly of paragraph 6 further comprising a deformable washer comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first end and the second end, the deformable washer being disposed between the first end of the clamp and the second end of the connector body and being structured to slidably engage the inner bore of the compression cap.
  • the connector further comprising a deformable member having an inner bore and being disposed within the compression cap, wherein the inner bore and the second end of the compression cap functionally engage the deformable member.
  • a compression connector comprising a connector body comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the body; a compression cap comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the cap, the first end of the compression cap being structured to engage the second end of the connector body; a clamp comprising a first end, a second end, an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the clamp, wherein the clamp further comprises a plurality of radially displaceable sectors that collectively comprise the clamp, each sector being configured to independently radially displace; and a compression surface disposed within the connector body, wherein axial advancement of one of the connector body and the compression cap toward the other facilitates the clamp being axially advanced into proximity with the compression surface such that the clamp and the compression surface transmit force between one another.
  • the connector of paragraph 22 further comprising an elastic member disposed on an outer surface of the clamp, the elastic member configured to maintain the relative position of the individual sectors with respect to one another during radial displacement of the individual sectors.
  • the compression surface is integral to the connector body and protrudes radially inward from the inner bore of the connector body, the compression surface further comprising an oblique surface, and wherein the clamp further comprises an oblique surface, the oblique surface of the clamp being configured to compliment the oblique surface of the compression surface; wherein under the condition that the clamp is axially advanced toward the compression surface the oblique surface of the clamp and the oblique surface of the compression surface transmit force therebetween.
  • the compression connector of paragraph 22 further comprising a compression ring comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bored defined between the first and second ends of the compression ring, wherein the compression ring is structured to functionally engage the inner bore of the connector body and wherein the second end of the compression ring functions as the compression surface and is structured such that under the condition that the clamp is axially advanced toward the compression surface the second end of the compression ring and the first end of the clamp transmit force therebetween.
  • the compression connector of paragraph 22 further comprising a deformable washer comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first end and the second end, the deformable washer being disposed between the first end of the clamp and the second end of the connector body and being structured to slidably engage the inner bore of the compression cap.
  • the connector body functionally engages the insulator to axially advance the insulator
  • the insulator functionally engages the conductive pin to axially advance the conductive pin
  • the axial advancement of the compression cap and the connector body toward one another results in the transmission of force between the clamp and the compression surface.
  • the compression connector of paragraph 25, further comprising a clamp ring comprising a first end, a second end, an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the clamp ring, the clamp ring being structured to functionally engage the inner bore of the compression cap; a first insulator comprising a first end, a second end, a tubular cavity extending axially from the second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the first insulator, the first insulator being disposed within the inner bore of the connector body and structured to slidably engage the inner bore of the connector body, and wherein the second end of the first insulator functionally engages the first end of the compression ring; a second insulator having a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the second insulator, the second insulator disposed within the inner bore of the connector body and structured to slidably engage the inner bore of the connector body; and a conductive pin having a first end and a second end,
  • compression cap a flange on a clamp ring, the clamp ring being disposed within the compression cap and the flange of the clamp ring structured to engage the inner bore of the compression cap; and a lip on the second end of the compression cap that is structured to functionally engage the deformable member.
  • a method of connecting a compression connector to a coaxial cable comprising obtaining a compression cap having a first end, a second end, and an inner bore; inserting a clamp having an inner bore into the inner bore of the compression cap; sliding a prepared end of a coaxial cable into the second end of the compression cap and through the inner bore of the clamp until a first corrugated section of the outer conductor protrudes beyond the first end of the clamp and the inner bore of the clamp engages a second corrugated section of the outer conductor; obtaining a connector body having a first end, a second end, and an inner bore; coupling the compression cap to the connector body by functionally engaging the first end of the compression cap with the second end of the connector body; axially advancing the compression cap and the connector body toward one another such that the clamp axially advances into proximity of a compression surface disposed within the connector cap and the first corrugated section of the outer conductor collapses between the clamp and the compression surface.
  • sliding a prepared end of a coaxial cable into the second end of the compression cap further comprises cutting the outer conductor of the coaxial cable at the valley of one of the corrugations in the outer conductor; exposing several successive peaks and valleys of the corrugated outer conductor by removing an additional portion of the outer jacket; and sliding the prepared end of the coaxial cable into the connector body until a second peak of the corrugated outer conductor functionally engages the inner bore of the clamp, wherein the clamp radially expands and contracts as the peaks and valleys of the corrugated outer conductor pass therethrough.
  • a compression connector comprising a connector body comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the body; a compression member comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends, the first end of the compression member being structured to engage the second end of the connector body; a clamp comprising a first end, a second end, an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the clamp, wherein the clamp facilitates threadable engagement of a coaxial cable; and a compression surface disposed within the connector body, wherein axial advancement of one of the connector body and the compression member toward the other by axial compression facilitates the clamp being axially advanced into proximity with the compression surface such that the clamp and the compression surface transmit force between one another.
  • the compression connector of paragraph 40 further comprising a compression ring comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bored defined between the first and second ends of the compression ring, wherein the second end of the compression ring functions as the compression surface and is structured such that under the condition that the clamp is axially advanced toward the compression surface the second end of the compression ring and the first end of the clamp transmit force therebetween.
  • the compression connector of paragraph 40 further comprising a clamp ring comprising a first end, a second end, an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the clamp ring, the clamp ring being structured to functionally engage the inner bore of the compression cap; a first insulator having a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the first insulator, the first insulator electrically isolating a socket and a conductive compression ring; a conductive pin having a first end, a second end, and a flange extending radially outward from the pin in a central region of the pin, wherein the pin is disposed within and slidably engages the inner bore of the insulator, the flange being structured to engage the second end of the insulator; and a second insulator having a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the second insulator, the second insulator electrically isolating the conductive
  • a connector comprising a connector body having a first end and a second end; a compression member configured to be axially compressed onto the connector body; a clamp disposed within the connector body, the clamp configured to facilitate threadable engagement of a coaxial cable; at least two cooperating surfaces, the cooperating surfaces configured to collapse one or more corrugations of an outer conductor of the coaxial cable therebetween when the connector is moved into a closed position by axial compression.
  • one of the least two cooperating surfaces is a first surface of a conductive compression ring.
  • one of the least two cooperating surfaces is a surface integral with the connector body that radially inwards protrudes into an inner bore of the connector body.
  • a method of connecting a compression connector to a coaxial cable comprising providing a connector body having a first end and a second end, a compression member configured to be axially compressed onto the connector body, a clamp disposed within the connector body, the clamp configured to facilitate threadable engagement with a coaxial cable, at least two cooperating surfaces, the cooperating surfaces configured to collapse one or more corrugations of an outer conductor of the coaxial cable therebetween when the connector moves into a closed position; threadably advancing a coaxial cable into the connector body, wherein a spiral corrugated outer conductor of the coaxial cable threadably mates with a spiral grooved portion of an inner surface of the clamp; and axially compressing the compression member onto the connector body to move the connector to a closed position.
  • one of the least two cooperating surfaces is a first surface of a conductive compression ring.
  • one of the least two cooperating surfaces is a surface integral with the connector body that radially inwards protrudes into an inner bore of the connector body.
  • one of the least two cooperating surfaces is an end of the clamp.
  • the clamp includes inner grooves that correspond to an outer surface of the coaxial cable, further wherein the outer surface has a spiral corrugation.
  • a coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body configured to receive a coaxial cable; a compression member operably affixed to the connector body; a rigid clamp configured to facilitate threadable engagement of the coaxial cable; and a cover disposed over at least a portion of the connector to seal the connector against environmental elements.
  • the connector of paragraph 60 further comprising a clamp ring comprising a first end, a second end, an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the clamp ring, the clamp ring being structured to functionally engage the inner bore of the compression cap; a first insulator having a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the first insulator, the first insulator electrically isolating a socket and a conductive compression ring; a conductive pin having a first end, a second end, and a flange extending radially outward from the pin in a central region of the pin, wherein the pin is disposed within and slidably engages the inner bore of the insulator, the flange being structured to engage the second end of the insulator; and a second insulator having a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the second insulator, the second insulator electrically isolating the conductive pin
  • a compression connector comprising a connector body having a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the connector body; a compression member having a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends, the compression member being axially movable with respect to the connector body; a compression surface located axially between the first end of the connector body and the second end of the compression member; and a clamp having a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the clamp, wherein the clamp is structured to engage a conductor of a coaxial cable; wherein the clamp is at least partially constructed from a malleable material; and wherein axial advancement of one of the connector body and the compression member toward the other facilitates the clamp being axially advanced into proximity with the compression surface, such that when a non-uniform portion of the conductor of the coaxial cable is compressed between the clamp and the compression surface, at least a portion of the clamp malleably de
  • the malleable metal material is derived from the group consisting of: gold, silver, lead, copper, aluminum, tin, platinum, zinc, nickel, or alloys derived from any combination therefrom.
  • a connector comprising a connector body having a first end and a second end; a compression member axially movable with respect to the connector body; a clamp disposed between the first end of the connector body and the second end of the compression member, the clamp configured to facilitate engagement of a conductor of a coaxial cable; and at least two cooperating surfaces, the cooperating surfaces configured to compress an axially irregular portion of the conductor of the coaxial cable therebetween, when one of the connector body and the compression member is moved toward the other, wherein one of the at least two cooperating structures is malleable and conforms to the axial irregularity of the portion of the conductor of the coaxial cable compressed therebetween.
  • the malleable cooperating surface is formed of a metal material derived from the group consisting of: gold, silver, lead, copper, aluminum, tin, platinum, zinc, nickel, or alloys derived from any combination therefrom.
  • a method of connecting a connector to a coaxial cable comprising providing a connector body having a first end and a second end, a compression member axially moveable with respect to the connector body and disposed between the first end of the connector body and the second end of the compression member, a clamp configured to facilitate engagement of a conductor of the coaxial cable, and at least two cooperating surfaces, wherein one of the at least two cooperating structures is malleable; advancing a coaxial cable into the connector, wherein a portion of the conductor of the coaxial cable engages the clamp; and axially compressing the compression member with respect to the connector body, thereby compressing the conductor of the coaxial cable between the at least two cooperating surfaces, such that when a non-uniform portion of the conductor of the coaxial cable is compressed between the clamp and
  • a coaxial cable assembly comprising a coaxial cable having an inner conductor, an outer corrugated conductor, and an insulator disposed between the inner and outer conductors; a connector body comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the body; a compression cap comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the cap, the compression cap being axially movable with respect to the connector body; a clamp movable with the compression cap and structured to engage the outer corrugated conductor of the coaxial cable; a compression surface disposed within the connector body; and a conductor displacement guiding member positioned to engage and act upon the outer conductor as movably engaged with the clamp; wherein axial advancement of one of the connector body and the compression cap toward the other facilitates the clamp being axially advanced into proximity with the
  • a compression connector comprising a connector body comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the body; a compression cap comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the cap, the compression cap being axially movable with respect to the connector body; a clamp comprising a first end, a second end, an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the clamp, wherein the clamp is movable with the compression cap; a compression surface disposed within the connector body, wherein axial advancement of one of the connector body and the compression cap toward the other facilitates the clamp being axially advanced into proximity with the compression surface such that the clamp and the compression surface transmit force between one another; and a conductor displacement guiding member located within the connector in a manner permitting prescribed contact with a conductive member of a coaxial cable to guide displacement of the conductive member, as the cable is compressively attached to the connector.
  • the compression connector of paragraph 91 further comprising a first insulator, wherein the conductor displacement guiding member is a sleeve integrally extending from the first insulator of the connector and positioned so as to contact and then act upon a leading edge of an outer conductor of the coaxial cable as the cable is displaced during compressive attachment to the connector.
  • the conductor displacement guiding member is a bushing located to guide displacement of the conductive member during compressive attachment of the cable to the connector.
  • a method of facilitating impedance matching between a coaxial cable and a coaxial cable connector comprising providing a connector body comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the body; providing a compression cap comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the cap, the compression cap being axially movable with respect to the connector body; providing a clamp comprising a first end, a second end, an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the clamp, wherein the clamp is movable with the compression cap; providing a compression surface disposed within the connector body, wherein axial advancement of one of the connector body and the compression cap toward the other facilitates the clamp being axially advanced into proximity with the compression surface such that the clamp and the compression surface transmit force between one another; providing a conductor displacement guiding member located within the connector in a manner permitting prescribed contact with a conductive member of a coaxial cable to guide displacement of the conductive member,
  • the conductor displacement guiding member includes a ramped guiding surface, configured to contact and then act upon the leading portion, as the outer conductor is displaced, such that a guided collapsed corrugation portion operably resides between cooperating surfaces of a conductive compression ring and the movable clamp.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the connector in a first state, and a coaxial cable having a corrugated outer conductor, and an end prepared for insertion into the connector;
  • FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector in a first state, and a partial cut-away view of the prepared end of the coaxial cable;
  • FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector in a first state, with the prepared end of the coaxial cable inserted therein;
  • FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector in a first state, with the prepared end of the coaxial cable inserted therein;
  • FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector
  • FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector.
  • FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the connector, with the prepared end of the coaxial cable inserted therein;
  • FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the connector
  • FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of the connector of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of the connector
  • FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the connector
  • FIG. 13 is an embodiment of the connector of FIG. 12 after compression of the outer conductor of the cable
  • FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the connector.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the connector.
  • FIG. 16 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a connector in an open position prior to insertion of a coaxial cable;
  • FIG. 17 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a connector in a closed position without a coaxial cable
  • FIG. 18 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a connector in a closed position with a coaxial cable fully threadably advanced within the connector;
  • FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having a cover in a first position
  • FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the coaxial cable connector having a cover in a second, sealing position.
  • FIG. 21 depicts a blown-up portion of a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector as described herein.
  • FIG. 16 is a blown-up cross-section view of a portion of an embodiment of a connector as attached to a coaxial cable.
  • FIG. 17 is a blown-up cross-section view of a portion of another embodiment of a connector as attached to a coaxial cable.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 one embodiment of the connector 10 and an annularly corrugated coaxial cable 200 with a prepared end 210 are shown aligned on a common central axis 2. Since the connector 10 and the annularly corrugated coaxial cable 200 are generally axially symmetric about their central axis 2, the "radially outward" direction in the following description is considered to be outwardly away from the central axis 2. Conversely,
  • the coaxial cable 200 that may be coupled to the connector of the one embodiment is comprised of a solid center conductor 202 surrounded by an insulator 204, a corrugated outer conductor 206 surrounding the insulator 204, and an insulative jacket 208 surrounding the outer conductor 206.
  • the prepared end 210 of the coaxial cable 200 is comprised of an exposed length 212 of the center conductor 202, an exposed length of the outer conductor 206 such that at least a first exposed outer conductor corrugation 214 between first and second recessed valleys 216 and 218 and a second exposed outer conductor corrugation 220 between second and third recessed valleys 218 and 222 are exposed.
  • the leading edge 226 of the exposed outer conductor 206 should be configured (i.e. cut) such that the leading edge 226 is part of one the recessed valleys of the corrugated outer conductor 206, the advantages of which will be described in detail below.
  • the insulator 204 is made of a soft, flexible material, such as a polymer foam. A portion of the insulator 204 may be removed from the prepared end 210, thereby providing a "cored out" annular cavity 224 for receiving a portion of a component of the connector 10.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector 10 in a first state.
  • the connector 10 is comprised of a tubular connector body 20 comprising a first end 22, a second end 24, and an inner bore 26.
  • the connector body 20 is comprised of a conductive material.
  • the connector 10 is further comprised of a first insulator 40 is disposed within the inner bore 26 of the tubular connector body 20.
  • the first insulator 40 is comprised of a first surface 42, a second surface 48, a through hole 44, and a tubular mandrel 46 extending axially from the second surface 48 of the first insulator 40.
  • the connector 10 is further comprised of a compression cap 60 comprising a first end 62, a second end 64, and an inner bore 66 having a central shoulder 68.
  • the compression cap 60 is configured to couple to the tubular connector body 20, and more specifically to slidably engage the second end 24 of the body 20.
  • the connector 10 is further comprised of means for collapsing the first exposed corrugation 214 of the outer conductor 206 of the coaxial cable 200 in the axial direction when the compression cap 60 engages the connector body 20 and is axially advanced further toward the connector body 20.
  • the particular components of the connector 10 and the means for collapsing the outer conductor are described herein below.
  • the connector 10 is further comprised of a conductive compression ring 80 that comprises a first surface 84 that engages the second surface 48 of the first insulator 40, and a second surface 86 that functions as a compression surface that assists in the collapsing of the first exposed corrugation 214 of the outer conductor 206 of the coaxial cable 200.
  • the compression ring 80 comprises a through hole 82 that engages the tubular mandrel 46 of the first insulator 40, such that the tubular mandrel 46 fits within and slidably engages the through hole 82.
  • the connector 10 is further comprised of an expandable clamp 90 that is structured to slide within the connector 10 and functionally engage the inner bore 26 of the connector body 20.
  • the clamp 90 comprises a first end 92, a second end 94, a central passageway 96, and a central annular recess 100 defined between a first protruded edge 98 that extends radially inward proximate the first end 92 and a second protruded edge 102 that extends radially inward proximate the second end 94.
  • the first end 92 of the clamp 90 functions as another compression surface that assists in the collapsing of the first exposed corrugation 214 of the outer conductor 206 of the coaxial cable 200, under the condition that the compression surface, mentioned above, is brought into proximity with the first end 92 of the clamp 90, as one of the compression cap 60 and the connector body 20 is axially advanced toward the other.
  • the connector 10 is further comprised of a clamp push ring 120 that is comprised of a flange 122 having an outer shoulder 124 that is structurally configured to slidably engage the inner bore 66 of the compression cap 60 and functionally engage the central shoulder of 68 of the compression cap 60.
  • the clamp push ring 120 further comprises a first end 126 that is structured to functionally engage the second end 94 of the expandable clamp 90.
  • the compression cap 60 is structured to functionally engage the clamp 90 directly, such that axial advancement of the compression cap 60 results in the axial advancement of the clamp 90.
  • the prepared cable end 210 is disposable in the connector 10, and is shown disposed within the connector 10 in FIG. 4, the connector 10 and the cable 200 being in a first state.
  • the exposed first corrugation 214 of the cable end 210 is disposed within an annular volume 89 formed between the first end 92 of the expandable clamp 90 and the second surface 86 of the compression ring 80. Additionally, the second exposed corrugation 220 is disposed within the central annular recess 100 of the expandable clamp 90, and the tubular mandrel 46 extends axially within the annular cavity 224.
  • the prepared cable end 210 is inserted into the inner bore 66 of the compression cap 60 until the leading edge 226 of the corrugated outer conductor 206 engages the expandable clamp 90, as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the cable 200 is further axially advanced through the central passageway 96 so that the expandable clamp 90 expands radially outward to allow the first exposed corrugation 214 of the cable 200 to pass through the central passageway 96 of the clamp 90, and then contracts radially inward to contain the second exposed corrugation 220 of the cable 200 within the central annular recess 100 of the clamp 90.
  • the angled first portion 217 of the first exposed corrugation 214 engages the angled second portion 97 of the second protruded edge 102 of the expandable clamp 90.
  • This provides a camming action, wherein the first exposed corrugation 214 acts as a cam lobe, and the second protruded edge 102 of the expandable clamp 90 acts as a cam follower, thereby radially expanding the expandable clamp 90, as indicated in FIG. 3 by arrows 91.
  • the insertion of the cable end 210 also provides an axial force against the expandable clamp 90, as indicated by arrow 93.
  • a deformable washer 130 is positioned, in the first state, within the connector 10 between the second end 24 of the conductive tubular body 20 and the first end 92 of the expandable clamp 90, such that the deformable washer 130 engages the first end 92 of the expandable clamp 90 and engages the second end 24 of the tubular connector body 20.
  • the deformable washer 130 being engaged by the tubular connector body 20, resists the axial force 93 and prevents the expandable clamp 90 from being advanced axially by the inserted cable end 210.
  • the deformable washer 130 also acts as a bearing against which the first end 92 of the expandable clamp 90 slides as the expandable clamp 90 radially expands and contracts as exposed corrugations 214 and 220 pass through the second protruded edge 102, as described above.
  • the expandable clamp 90 may be comprised of a plurality of sectors, for example sectors 104 and 106, that individually radially displace in relation to one another as the corrugated cable 200 passes therethrough.
  • the plurality of sectors collectively comprise the expandable clamp 90, including the central annular recess 100, the first protruded edge 98, and the second protruded edge 102.
  • the expandable clamp 90 may be further comprised of an elastic member 108 disposed around the radially displaceable sectors 104/106, thereby retaining the relative position of the sectors 104 and 106 with respect to one another, including during the radial expansion and contraction capability when the corrugation 214 and/or 220 of the prepared cable end 210 passes through and/or into the clamp 90.
  • the elastic member 108 may be formed as an elastic ring.
  • the elastic ring 108 may have a circular cross-section as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or the elastic member 108 may have a square, rectangular, or other cross sectional shape.
  • the expandable clamp 90 may be provided on its outer periphery 95 with a correspondingly shaped groove which engages and the elastic member 108 and maintains the relative position of the elastic member 108 in relation to the clamp 90.
  • the elastic member 108 may be made of an elastomer such as a rubber.
  • the elastic ring may be made of rubber or a rubber-like material.
  • the elastic member 108 may be formed as a toroidal spring, such as a wound metal wire spring commonly used in lip seals.
  • the elastic member 108 may be formed as an elastic sleeve, which encloses a portion of the outer periphery 95 of the expandable clamp 90.
  • the elastic sleeve may also be made of an elastomer such as a rubber.
  • the prepared cable end 210 and the connector 10 are shown in the first state.
  • the expandable clamp 90 has expanded radially to allow the first exposed corrugation 214 of the cable 200 to pass therethrough, and then contracted radially to contain the second exposed corrugation 220 of the cable 200 within the central annular recess 101 of the clamp 90.
  • the exposed first corrugation 214 of the cable end 210 is disposed within the annular volume 89 formed between the first end 92 of the expandable clamp 90 and the second surface 86 of the compression ring 80, and the tubular mandrel 46 extends axially within the annular cavity 224.
  • the expandable clamp 90 of the connector 10 retains the cable 200 in place.
  • the cable 200 advances therewith due to the structural engagement of the expandable clamp 90, the compression cap 60, and the outer conductor 206.
  • the connector 10 and cable 200 are positioned for the compression cap 60 and the tubular connector body 20 to be further axially advanced toward one another. This is achieved by one of the following: the compression cap 60 being axially advanced toward the connector body 20 as the connector body 20 is held in place; the connector body 20 being axially advanced toward the compression cap 60 as the compression cap 60 is held in place; or each of the compression cap 60 and connector body 20 being axially advanced toward one another concurrently.
  • the axial advancement of the compression cap 60 and the connector body 20 towards one another results in the compression cap 60 and the connector body 20 reaching a second state, wherein the cable 200 within the compression cap 60, the compression cap 60, and the connector body 20, are sufficiently coupled mechanically and electrically to allow the cable 200 to pass its signal through the connector 10 to the port (not shown) to which the connector 10 is attached.
  • the connector 10 in the second state, as shown in FIG. 5, the connector 10 establishes the desired operational electrical and mechanical connections between the cable 200, the connector 10, and the port (not shown).
  • the compression cap 60 and the tubular connector body 20 are structured to slidably engage one another and move in an opposing axial direction with respect to one another from the first state of FIG. 4 to the second state of FIG. 5.
  • the axial advancement of the compression cap 60 toward the connector body 20 facilitates the expandable clamp 90 moving axially within the inner bore 26 of the tubular connector body 20 toward the conductive compression ring 80.
  • This axial displacement of the expandable clamp 90 results in the expandable clamp 90 deforming an inner region 132 of the deformable washer 130, such that the expandable clamp 90 axially advances past the washer 130 through the deformed inner region 132 of the washer 30 toward the compression ring 80.
  • first exposed corrugation 214 of the outer conductor 206 of the coaxial cable 200 collapsing between the compression surfaces, or between the first end 92 of the expandable clamp 90 and the second surface 86 of the conductive compression ring 80.
  • the compression surfaces described above, collapse the first exposed corrugation 214 into a collapsed corrugation 215, the collapsed corrugation 215 being defined as the entire section of the first exposed corrugation 214 that has been folded upon itself, or buckled upon itself, to create a double thickness of the outer conductor 206.
  • the collapsed corrugation 215 comprises two thicknesses of the outer conductor 206 in at least a portion of the collapsed corrugation 215. In another embodiment, the collapsed corrugation 215 comprises two thicknesses of the outer conductor 206 in a majority of the collapsed corrugation 215. In yet another embodiment, the collapsed corrugation 215 comprises two thicknesses of the outer conductor 206 in the entirety of the collapsed corrugation 215.
  • the compression surfaces further press the collapsed corrugation 215 therebetween to facilitate a functional electrical connection between the corrugated outer conductor 206 of the cable 200 and the tubular connector body 20.
  • the tubular mandrel 46 extends axially into the annular cavity 224, thereby insulating the corrugated outer conductor 206 from the central conductor 202.
  • the compression ring 80 against which the collapsed corrugation 215 is pressed in the second state, may further comprise an annular recess 88 in the second surface 86, the annular recess 88 being structured to receive the leading edge 226 of the first exposed corrugation 214, as shown in FIG. 4. Under the condition that the connector 10 is transitioned from the first state to the second state, the leading edge 226 enters the annular recess 88. The axial movement of the compression surfaces, 92 and 86, toward one another results in the leading edge 226 engaging the annular recess 88 and buckling within the annular recess 88 to assume the shape of the annular recess 88.
  • the remaining portion of the collapsed corrugation 215 is compressed between the compression surfaces, 92 and 86, such that the collapsed corrugation 215 is buckled on itself between the compression surfaces 92 and 86.
  • This two-stage buckling of the collapsed corrugation 215 enhances the electrical and mechanical connections between the corresponding components of the connector 10.
  • the expandable clamp 90 may be further comprised of a beveled edge 110 proximate the first end 92, which facilitates displacement of the deformable washer 130 when the compression cap 60 is axially advanced toward the connector body 20, as explained above.
  • the inner region 132 of the deformable washer 130 may be provided with score marks, slits, or other stress-concentrators (not shown) to facilitate the deformation of the washer 130.
  • the deformable washer 130 is made of a material that is sufficiently rigid to serve as a stop for the expandable clamp 90 when the prepared end 210 of a corrugated cable 200 is inserted into the connector 10, but is also sufficiently flexible so as to deform when the expandable clamp 90 is axially advanced toward the tubular connector body 20 during transition between the first and second states of the connector 10.
  • the deformable washer 130 may be made of a thin, soft metal, a plastic, or other like material that allows the washer 130 to perform its function described above.
  • the cable connector 10 may be further comprised of a second insulator 150 disposed within the inner bore 26 of the tubular connector body 20 firstly from the first insulator 40.
  • the second insulator 150 may be comprised of a first end 152, a second end 156, a central through-bore 158, and a flange 154 that is structurally configured to slidably engage the inner bore 26 of the tubular connector body 20 and configured to engage a shoulder 28 on the inner bore 26 of the tubular connector body 20.
  • the connector 10 may further include a conductive central pin 170 disposed within the central through-bore 158 of the second insulator 150.
  • the conductive central pin 170 may be comprised of a first end 172, a second end 174, and an axial socket 176 extending axially from the second end 174. [00146] Referring also to FIGS. 4 and 5, when the coaxial cable 200 is inserted into the connector 10, the axial socket 176 of the central pin 170 receives the exposed tip 212 of the center conductor 202 of the cable 200.
  • a plurality of slits 178 running axially along the length of the socket 176 may be cut into the central pin 170 at predetermined intervals in the socket 176, thereby defining a plurality of fingers 179 between the slits 178 which are structurally configured to expand when the exposed tip 212 of the prepared cable 210 is inserted into the axial socket 176.
  • the first surface 42 of the first insulator 40 may further comprise an annular rim 52 extending axially from the first surface 42, the annular rim 52 defining an annular hollow that is structured to receive the second end 174 of the central pin 170 under the condition that the compression cap 60 is axially advanced toward the tubular connector body 20 from the first state to the second state.
  • axial advancement of the compression cap 60 toward the connector body 20 to the second state results in the first surface 42 of the first insulator 40 engaging the second end 174 of the conductive central pin 170, as well as axially displacing the conductive central pin 170 within the through-bore 158 of the second insulator 150.
  • the second end 156 of the second insulator 150 may further comprise an annular recess 160 that is structured to receive the annular rim 52 of the first insulator 40.
  • the second state is the configuration in which the connector 10 and the cable 20 are mechanically and electrically coupled. Specifically, in the second state, the connector 10 is electrically and mechanically coupled to the cable 200 to allow the cable 200 to transmit signals through the connector 10 and to the port (not shown) to which the connector 10 is further coupled. In the second state, the central pin 170 has been axially advanced beyond the first end 152 of the second insulator 150, so that the central pin 170 is connectable to a central socket of the port (not shown). Additionally, at least a portion of the deformable washer 130 is compressed and contained between the clamp push ring 120, the expandable clamp 90, and the tubular connector body 20. Some other portion of the deformable washer 130 may be disposed as shavings or other small particles (not shown) between the expandable clamp 90 and the tubular connector body 20.
  • the connector 10 may be further configured such that axial advancement of the compression cap 60 to the second state results in the first end 126 of the clamp push ring 120 engaging the second end 24 of the tubular connector body 20. Also, axial advancement of the compression cap 60 to the second state results in a first shoulder 70 on the inner bore 66 of the compression cap 60 to engage an outer shoulder 30 on the tubular connector body 20. These contacts between the respective parts may function as additional stops when axially advancing the cap 60 onto the tubular connector body 20.
  • the order of the movement of the parts within the connector 10, and the collapse of the outermost corrugation 214 of the prepared cable end 210 may vary from that described above and depicted in FIGS. 4 - 7.
  • the first insulator 40 and conductive compression ring 80 have interference fits within the inner bore 26 of the tubular connector body 20. Therefore, axial advancement of these parts 40 and 80 within the bore 26 of the tubular connector body 20 is resisted by friction therewith.
  • first insulator 40 and conductive compression ring 80 may axially advance within the bore 26 of the tubular connector body 20 before the outermost exposed corrugation 214 of the coaxial cable 200 collapses.
  • axial advancement of the compression cap 60 toward the connector body 20 may first cause the first surface 42 of the first insulator 40 to engage the second end 174 of the conductive central pin 170 and axially advance the conductive central pin 170 within the through-bore 158 of the second insulator 150.
  • the compression cap 60 may be further advanced axially on the tubular connector body 20 to result in the first surface 42 of the first insulator 40 engaging the second end 156 of the second insulator 150.
  • the compression cap 60 may be further advanced axially on the tubular connector body 20 to result in the expandable clamp 90 axially advancing within the inner bore 26 of the tubular connector body 20 toward the conductive compression ring 80, thereby reducing the annular volume 89 between the first end 92 of the expandable clamp 90 and the second surface 86 of the compression ring 80, and collapsing the first exposed corrugation 214.
  • the frictional resistance to motion of the first insulator 40 and conductive compression ring 80 within the tubular connector body 20 is approximately equal to the force required to collapse the outermost exposed corrugation 214, the displacement of these internal components 40 and 80 within the tubular connector body 20 and the collapse of the first most corrugation 214 of the cable 200 may occur concurrently as the compression cap 60 is axially advanced toward the connector body 20 from the first state to the second state.
  • the connector 10 may include a first seal 12, such as an O-ring, that is disposed within a groove 13 (labeled in FIG. 8) on the outer periphery of the connector body and resides between the tubular connector body 20 and the inner bore 66 of the compression cap 60 under the condition that the connector 10 is in the second state.
  • the connector 10 may further include a second seal 14 that is contained within the inner bore 66 and a second flange 72 of the compression cap 60.
  • the components of the connector 10 may be dimensioned such that prior to the cap 60 being axially advanced toward the tubular connector body 20 there is a small gap 16 between the outer shoulder 124 of the clamp push ring 120 and the central shoulder 68 of the compression cap 60.
  • the gap 16 is eliminated. The removal of the gap 16 places the second seal 14 in an axially compressed condition, thereby causing a radial expansion of the seal 14 that in turn provides effective sealing between the jacket 208 of the cable 200 and the inner bore 66 of the compression cap 60.
  • the connector 10 may be provided with a fastener 180, such as a nut for engagement to the port (not shown).
  • the fastener 180 may include a seal 182 for sealing to the port.
  • the connector 10 may be provided with male threads for connection to a female port.
  • the connector 10 may also be configured as an angled connector, such as a 90 degree elbow connector.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the exemplary compression connector 10 during insertion of the prepared segment 210 of annular corrugated coaxial cable 200.
  • the coaxial cable 200 of one embodiment is comprised of a hollow center conductor 202 surrounded by an insulator 204, a corrugated outer conductor 206 surrounding the insulator 204, and an insulative jacket 208 surrounding the outer conductor 206.
  • the prepared end 210 of the coaxial cable 200 is comprised of an exposed length of the center conductor 202, the insulator 204, and the corrugated outer conductor 206.
  • the outer conductor 206 is exposed by removing the insulative jacket 208 around the conductor 206 until at least a first exposed outer conductor corrugation 214 between first and second recessed valleys 216 and 218 and a second exposed outer conductor corrugation 220 between second and third recessed valleys 218 and 222 are exposed.
  • the prepared end 210 should be configured (i.e. cut) such that the leading edge 226 of the outer conductor 206 is within one of the recessed valleys of the corrugated outer conductor 206, the advantages of which will be described in detail below.
  • the insulator 204 is made of a soft, flexible material, such as a polymer foam.
  • the connector 10 of the various embodiments described herein is advantageous in that it is simple to install in a factory or field setting and it is reliably effective at establishing and maintaining strong contact forces between the connector 10 and the annular corrugated coaxial cable 200.
  • the connector 10 of one embodiment includes the conductive pin 170 and the insulator 150, the insulator 150 being disposed within the connector body 20 and slidably engaged with the inner bore 26 of the connector body 20.
  • the insulator 150 is disposed around the conductive pin 170 so as to hold the conductive pin 170 in place. Further, the insulator 150 is positioned radially between the conductive pin 170 and the connector body 22.
  • the conductive pin 170 provides the connection to the hollow center conductor 202 of the prepared coaxial cable segment 210 to which the connector 10 is being connected, and the insulator 150 electrically insulates the conductive pin 170 from the connector body 22 and the connector body 20.
  • the conductive pin 170 may have outwardly expanding flexible tines 332 to engage the inner diameter of the hollow conductor 202, and a retaining element 334 to secure the tines 332 from axial movement.
  • the inner bore 26 of the connector body 20 further comprises an engagement region 336, shown in FIG. 8 and enlarged in FIG. 11.
  • the engagement region 336 comprises a first region 335 that extends radially inward from the inner bore 26 of the connector body 20 and a second region 337 that extends both radially inward and axially toward the prepared end 210 of the coaxial cable 200.
  • the engagement region 336 functions as a compression surface, similar to the compression surfaces 92 and 86 in embodiments described above, in that the engagement region 336 assists in the collapse of the corrugated outer conductor 214.
  • second region 337 has an acute angle a from the longitudinal axis 2. The angle may be between 5 degrees and 60 degrees.
  • the angle of the second region 337 is approximately 45 degrees.
  • the proximal end of the engagement region 336 may further include a planar face 338 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2.
  • the planar face 338 and the engagement region 336 work in concert to engage and deform the corrugated outer conductor 214 until it collapses on itself to form the collapsed corrugated outer conductor 215, under the condition that the connector is transitioned from the first state, shown in FIG. 8, to the second state, shown in FIG. 9.
  • the second end 24 of the connector body 20 further comprises a beveled edge 342 to assist in the functional engagement of the connector body 20 with the clamp
  • the beveled edge 342 permits the clamp 90 to slidably engage the beveled edge 342 so as to ensure that the outer periphery 95 of the clamp 90 slidably engages the inner bore 26 of the connector body 20 under the condition that the compression cap 60 is axially advanced toward the connector body 20 from the first state to the second state.
  • transition from the first state to the second state results in the advancement of the compression cap 60 so that the shoulder 68 of the compression cap 60 engages the clamp push ring 120, which engages the clamp 90, which engagement axially advances the clamp 90 toward the connector body 20, such that the clamp 90 engages the beveled edge 342 of the connector body 20 to guide the outer periphery 95 of the clamp 90 to slidably and functionally engage the inner bore 26 of the connector body in the second state.
  • the clamp 90 may also have a beveled edge 382 on the first end 92.
  • the beveled edge 382 functions as a compression surface, similar to the compression surfaces 92 and 86 in the embodiments described above.
  • the beveled edge 382 is structurally compatible with the engagement region 336, such that the beveled edge 382 and the engagement region 336 work in concert to engage and deform the corrugated outer conductor 214 under the condition that the connector is transitioned from the first state to the second state.
  • the clamp 90 may have a plurality of elastic members 108 disposed around the outer periphery 95 thereof, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
  • the elastic members 108 may be tension rings that serve to hold the individual sectors of the clamp 90 in a slightly open or expanded position.
  • the tension rings may be fabricated from metal or plastic.
  • the connector 10 of the various embodiments may be joined to the coaxial cable segment 200 generally in the following manner.
  • the corrugated coaxial cable segment 200 may be prepared for insertion by cutting the cable at one of the corrugation valleys, and specifically at the first corrugation valley 216, or at least near the first corrugation valley 216. This offers an advantage over many prior art cable connectors that require cutting the corrugation at a peak, which can be difficult.
  • the cable 200 can be prepared according to the respective descriptions provided above.
  • the connector 10 is thereafter pre-assembled to its first state.
  • the internal elements 14, 120, 90, and 130 may be held in axial compression by inserting the seal 14 into the bore 66 of the cap 60 until it abuts the second flange 72; inserting the plush clamp ring 120 into the bore 66 of the cap 60 until it abuts with the seal 14; inserting the clamp 90 until it abuts with the clamp push ring 120; and inserting the washer 130 into the bore 66 of the cap 60 until it abuts with the clamp 90.
  • the internal elements 150 and 170 can also be held in axial compression by inserting the insulator 150 into the bore 26 of the connector body 20 until the insulator abuts the shoulder 28 on the inner bore 26; inserting the conductive pin 170 into the central through-bore 158 of the insulator 150.
  • the first insulator 40 may be inserted within the bore 26 of the connector body 20 and thereafter the compression ring 80 may be inserted onto the tubular mandrel 46 of the first insulator 40.
  • the compression cap 60 and the connector body may thereafter be initially coupled together by slidably engaging the compression cap 60 with the body 20 to establish the first state of the connector 10.
  • the bore 66 of the cap 60 slidably engages the outer periphery of the connector body 20, until the washer 130 engages not only the clamp 90 within the compression cap 60 but also engages the second end 24 of the connector body 22, thus holding the respective components in place in the first state.
  • the insertion of the coaxial cable 200 to the first state may be performed by hand.
  • the corrugated coaxial cable 200 is the annular variety, although the invention is not so limited.
  • the annular corrugations in the outer conductor 206 do not allow the clamp 90 to be threaded into place, as may be the case for spiral corrugated coaxial cable segments. Therefore, the individual sectors of the clamp 90 must spread radially outward to allow the clamp 90 to clear the corrugated sections of the outer conductor 206 in the coaxial cable 200.
  • the elastic member 108 is flexible and allows the clamp 90 to spread radially outward while constraining individual sectors of the clamp 90 from becoming free. As the cable 200 is pushed into the connector 10 through the compression cap 60, the clamp 90 extends radially outward to clear the corrugated peaks and valleys of the outer conductor 206, then settles radially inward into the corrugated valleys.
  • the transition of the connector 10 from the first state to the second state may be performed by hand or in most cases by a hydraulic tool (not shown).
  • the tool engages the cap 60 and the connector body 20 and squeezes them together, thereby moving the connector 10 to the second state. As the hydraulic tool axially displaces the cap 60 and the body
  • the leading edge 226 of the first exposed outer conductor corrugation 214 encounters the engagement region 336 of the connector body 20 and is deformed in a manner that provides superior electrical contact.
  • the planar face 338 and the engagement region 336 cause the outer conductor 214 to fold upon itself and become wedged between the engagement region 336 of the connector body 20 and the clamp engagement region 382 of the clamp 90.
  • the folding action creates two thicknesses of conductive outer conductor 214, as the conductor 214 is collapsed onto itself to create the collapsed outer conductor 215, which significantly improves electrical contact.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates the folded conductor 215 in an enlarged view.
  • the connector body engagement region 336 including sections 335 and 337, folded outer conductor 215, and clamp engagement region 382 are depicted in slightly exploded view to delineate the various components. In actuality, the components are tightly compressed together.
  • FIG. 10 further illustrates the arrangement of components that provide frictional forces to lock the connector 10 in place.
  • the outer diameter of the clamp 90 and the inner diameter of the connector body 20 are sized to provide a slight radial interference fit (RIF).
  • RIF radial interference fit
  • FIG. 11 depicts a scenario to illustrate the folding action of the first exposed outer conductor corrugation 214.
  • the outer conductor 214 is trimmed approximately at the first corrugation valley 216.
  • the planar face 338 of the connector body 22 passes over the leading edge 226 of the outer conductor 214 and contacts the conductor 214 approximately near the trailing inflection point 392 of the outer conductor 214, causing the conductor 214 to fold over on itself, as depicted by the arrow.
  • One advantage of this arrangement is that an operator preparing the cable segment 200 for insertion does not need to trim the cable 200 precisely at a corrugation valley; there is provided ample leeway on either side of the valley.
  • the first region 335 that extends radially inward from the inner bore 26 of the connector body 20 may further comprise a retention feature 394 to further secure the deformed corrugated outer conductor 215 in a radial direction.
  • the retention feature 394 is an annular recess in the first region 335, such that the first region 335 axially indented.
  • the clamp 90 may include a complimentary retention feature 396.
  • the collapsed corrugated outer conductor 215 is sandwiched not only along the complimentary compression surfaces 336 and 382, but also between the retention features 394 and 396.
  • the connector is in the second state.
  • the clamp 90 further comprises a beveled edge 372, in addition to the beveled edge 382 described above.
  • the beveled edges 372 and 382 are positioned on opposing leading corner edges of the clamp 90, beveled edge 382 being positioned radially inward of the beveled edge 372.
  • Beveled edge 372 is angled at an acute angle from the common axis 2, and the angle of the beveled edge 372 is less than the angle of the beveled edge 382 from the common axis 2.
  • Beveled edges 372 and 382 function as compression surfaces under the condition that the connector is transitioned from the first state to the second state.
  • Corresponding compressions surfaces are found in the compression ring 80 of the embodiment of FIG. 14.
  • the second surface 86 of the compression ring 80 further comprises angled surfaces 381 and 371 that oppose one another and generally form a v-like shape in the second surface 86.
  • the angled surfaces 381 and 371 correspond to and compliment the beveled edges 382 and 372, respectively.
  • the angled surface 371 is angled from the common axis 2 at approximately the angle of the beveled edge 372.
  • the angled surface 381 is angled from the common axis 2 at approximately the angle of the beveled edge 382.
  • the compression surfaces, 372 and 382, on the clamp ring 90 functionally engage the corresponding compression surfaces, 371 and 381, respectively, on the compression ring 80 to compress therebetween the first exposed outer conductor corrugation 214 of the cable 200 so that the corrugation 214 collapses on itself.
  • the result is that the collapsed corrugation 215 is pressed between the compression surfaces 372 and 371 at one angle and also pressed between the compression surfaces 382 and 381 at another angle, thus forming the v-like shaped compression.
  • This v-shaped compression provides both axial and radial compression of the connector 10 to facilitate advantageous mechanical and electrical coupling of the connector 10 to the cable 200 in the second state and to prevent the connector 10 from disengaging without undue force once the connector 10 is moved to its second state.
  • the compression ring 80 comprises the first surface 84 that engages the second surface 48 of the first insulator 40.
  • the first surface 84 comprises an annular recess 388 that engages an annular angled lip 346 that axially protrudes from the second surface 48 of the first insulator 40.
  • the compression ring 80 functionally engages the first insulator 40, which in turn functionally engages the conductive pin 170 to axially advance the conductive pin 170 through the central through-bore 158 of the second insulator 150, such that the pin 170 axially protrudes beyond the first end 152 of the insulator 150 so that the pin 170 can connect to the port (not shown).
  • transition of the connector 10 from the first state to the second state also results in the exposed center conductor 202 being axially advanced into the socket 176 of the pin 170, such that the center conductor 202 is mechanically and electrically coupled to and secured within the pin 170.
  • the connector 10 includes the compression surfaces 382 and 372 on the clamp 90 and the compression surfaces 371 and 381 on the compression ring 80, described above. These compression surfaces 382, 372, 381, and 371 function according to the description provided above.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 15 further includes a planar surface 389 on the first surface 84, the planar surface 389 being structured to engage the second surface 48 of the first insulator 40.
  • the second surface 48 of the first insulator 40 further comprises a planar annular lip 345 that engages the planar surface 389.
  • compression ring 80 functionally engages the first insulator 40, which in turn functionally engages the conductive pin 170 to axially advance the conductive pin 170 through the central through-bore 158 of the second insulator 150, such that the pin 170 axially protrudes beyond the first end 152 of the insulator 150 so that the pin 170 can connect to the port (not shown).
  • transition of the connector 10 from the first state to the second state also results in the exposed center conductor 202 being axially advanced into the socket 176 of the pin 170, such that the center conductor 202 is mechanically and electrically coupled to and secured within the pin 170.
  • the center conductor 202 is mechanically and electrically coupled to the pin 170, so that the connector 10 satisfactorily couples, mechanically and electrically, to the port (not shown).
  • an embodiment of connector 1000 may be a straight connector, a right angle connector, an angled connector, an elbow connector, or any combination thereof.
  • connector 100 may receive a center conductive strand 18 of a coaxial cable 10, wherein the coaxial cable 10' includes a corrugated, helical or spiral outer conductor
  • one example of the cable 10' received by connector 1000 is a spiral corrugated cable, sometimes known as Superflex ® cable.
  • spiral corrugated cable include 50 ohm "Superflex” cable and 75 ohm “coral” cable manufactured by Andrew
  • Spiral corrugated coaxial cable is a special type of coaxial cable
  • spiral corrugated coaxial cable has an irregular outer surface, which makes it difficult to design connectors or connection techniques in a manner that provides a high degree of mechanical stability, electrical shielding, and environmental sealing, but which does not physically damage the irregular outer surface of the cable.
  • Ordinary corrugated, i.e., non-spiral, coaxial cable also has the advantages of superior mechanical strength, with the ability to be bent around corners without breaking or cracking.
  • the corrugated sheath is also the outer conductor.
  • Connector 1000 can be provided to a user in a preassembled configuration to ease handling and installation during use.
  • Embodiments of connector 1000 may include a connector body 1020 comprising a first end 1022, a second end 1024, and an inner bore 1026 defined between the first and second ends 1022, 1024 of the body 1020, a compression member 1060 comprising a first end 1062, a second end 1064, and an inner bore 1066 defined between the first and second ends 1062, 1064 of the member 1060, the first end 1062 of the compression member 1060 being structured to engage the second end 1024 of the connector body 1020, a clamp 1090 comprising a first end
  • clamp 1090 facilitates threadable insertion of a coaxial cable 10', and a compression surface 1086 (or a surface integral to the connector body 1020 and protrudes radially inward into the inner bore 1026 of the connector body 1020) disposed within the connector body 1020, wherein axial advancement of one of the connector body 1020 and the compression member 1060 toward the other facilitates the clamp 1090 being axially advanced into proximity with the compression surface 1086 (or a surface integral to the connector body
  • connector 1000 may include a connector body 1020 having a first end 1022 and a second end 1024, a compression member
  • connector 1060 configured to be axially compressed onto the connector body 1020, a clamp 1090 disposed within the connector body 1020, the clamp 1090 configured to facilitate threadable insertion of a coaxial cable 10', at least two cooperating surfaces, the cooperating surfaces configured to collapse one or more corrugations 17 'of an outer conductor 14' of the coaxial cable 10' therebetween when the connector 1000 moves into a closed position.
  • Two connectors, such as connector 100 may be utilized to create a jumper that may be packaged and sold to a
  • a jumper may be a coaxial cable 10 having a connector, such as connector 100, operably affixed at one end of the cable 10 where the cable 10 has been prepared, and another connector, such as connector 100, operably affixed at the other prepared end of the cable 10.
  • Operably affixed to a prepared end of a cable 10 with respect to a jumper includes both an uncompressed/open position and a compressed/closed position of the connector while affixed to the cable.
  • embodiments of a jumper may include a first connector including components/features described in association with connector 100, and a second connector that may also include the components/features as described in association with connector 100, wherein the first connector is operably affixed to a first end of a coaxial cable 10, and the second connector is operably affixed to a second end of the coaxial cable 10.
  • embodiments of a jumper may include other components, such as one or more signal boosters, molded repeaters, and the like.
  • the cable 10' may be coupled to the connector 1000, wherein the cable 10' may include a solid center conductor 18' surrounded by an insulator 16', a corrugated spiral outer conductor 14 'surrounding the insulator 16', and an insulative jacket 12' surrounding the outer conductor 14'.
  • the prepared end of the coaxial cable 10' may include an exposed length of the center conductor 18', an exposed length 17 'of the outer conductor 14' such that at least a first exposed outer conductor corrugation 17' extends a distance from the cable jacket 12'.
  • the insulator 16' is made of a soft, flexible material, such as a polymer foam.
  • a portion of the insulator 16' may be removed from the prepared end of the cable 10', thereby providing a "cored out" annular cavity for receiving a portion of a component of the connector 10.
  • embodiments of the cable 10' may not involve coring out a portion of the dielectric 16', which both saves a step preparation of the cable 10' and allows the connector 1000 to not include a support mandrel, such as mandrel 46.
  • FIG. 16 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector 1000 in an open position.
  • the connector 1000 may include a tubular connector body 10120.
  • Embodiments of the tubular connector body 1020 may share the same or substantially the same structure and function as connector body 20 described supra.
  • the connector body 1020 may include a first end 1022, a second end 1024, and an inner bore 1026.
  • the connector body 1020 is comprised of a conductive material.
  • Embodiments of the connector 1000 may include a fastener 1180 operably attached to the connector body 1020 proximate the first end 1022.
  • the fastener 1180 may be a coupling member, or a threaded nut for engagement to the port (not shown).
  • the fastener 1180 may include a seal 1182 for sealing to the port.
  • the connector 1000 may be provided with male threads for connection to a female port.
  • the connector 1000 may also be configured as an angled connector, such as a 90 degree elbow connector.
  • Embodiments of connector 1000 may include a first seal 1012, such as an O-ring, that is disposed within a groove on the outer periphery of the connector body 1020 and resides between the tubular connector body 1020 and the inner bore 1066 of the compression member 1060 under the condition that the connector 1000 is in the closed position.
  • a first seal 1012 such as an O-ring
  • Embodiments of the first seal 1012 may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of seal 12, as described above.
  • embodiments of connector 1000 may further include a second seal 1014 that is contained within the inner bore 1066 and a second flange of the compression member 1060.
  • Embodiments of the second seal 1014 may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of seal 14, as described above.
  • Embodiments of a cable connector 1000 may include a first insulator 1040.
  • the first insulator may include surface 1142 that engages the compression ring 1080, in particular, the first surface 1084.
  • the first insulator 1040 may include a generally axial opening to
  • the first insulator 1040 should be formed of insulative, non-conductive materials to facilitate the electrical isolation of the center conductor 18' and the compression ring 1080. Embodiments of the first insulator 1040 engages the compression ring 1080, but may not engage the outer conductor 14; of cable 10' to provide support in embodiments where the cable 10' does not include a cored out cavity at the prepared end of the cable 10'. [00179] Embodiments of the cable connector 1000 may further comprise of a second insulator 1150 disposed within the inner bore 1026 of the tubular connector body 1020, proximate the first end 1022 of the connector body 1020.
  • Embodiments of the second insulator 1050 may share the same or substantially the same structure and function as the second insulator 150, described in association with connector 10.
  • the second insulator 1150 may be comprised of a first end 1152, a second end 1156, a central through-bore 1158, and a flange 1154 that is structurally configured to slidably engage the inner bore 1026 of the tubular connector body 1020 and configured to engage a shoulder 1028 on the inner bore 1026 of the tubular connector body 1020.
  • the second insulator 1150 may electrically isolate the center conductor 18' from the connector body 1020.
  • the connector 1000 may further include a conductive central pin 1170 disposed within the central through-bore 1158 of the insulator 1150.
  • the conductive central pin 1170 may be comprised of a first end 1172, a second end 1174, and an axial socket 1176 extending axially from the second end 1174.
  • the axial socket 1176 of the central pin 1170 receives an exposed tip of the center conductor 18' of the cable 10'.
  • a plurality of slits 1178 running axially along the length of the socket 1176 may be cut into the central pin 1170 at predetermined intervals in the socket 1176, thereby defining a plurality of fingers between the slits 1178 which are structurally configured to expand when the exposed tip of the center conductor 18' prepared cable 10' is inserted into the axial socket 1176.
  • Embodiments of connector 1000 may further include a compression member 1060.
  • Embodiments of the compression member 1060 may share the same or substantially the same structure and function as compression member 60 described supra.
  • compression member 1060 may include a first end 1062, a second end 1064, and an inner bore 1066 having a central shoulder 1068.
  • the compression member 1060 may be configured to couple to the tubular connector body 1020, and more specifically to slidably engage the second end 1024 of the body 1020.
  • Embodiments of connector 1000 may further include a means for collapsing the first exposed corrugation 17' of the outer conductor 14' of the coaxial cable 10' in the axial direction when the compression member 1060 engages the connector body 1020 and is axially advanced further toward the connector body 1020.
  • the particular components of the connector 10' and the means for collapsing the outer conductor 14' are described herein.
  • embodiments of connector 1000 may include a conductive compression ring 1080.
  • Embodiments of the conductive compression ring 1080 may share the same or substantially the same structure and function as conductive compression ring 80 described supra.
  • the conductive compression ring 1080 may include a first surface 1084 that engages the second surface 1048 of the first insulator 1040, and a second surface 1086 that functions as a compression surface that assists in the collapsing of the first exposed corrugation 17' of the outer conductor 14' of the coaxial cable 10'.
  • the compression ring 1080 comprises a through hole 1082 to allow axial passage of the center conductor 18' of cable 10'.
  • embodiments of connector 1000 may include a clamp 1090 that is structured to slide within the connector 1000 and functionally engage the inner bore 1026 of the connector body 1020.
  • Embodiments of the clamp 1090 may share similar or substantially similar structure and function as clamp 90 described above.
  • clamp 1090 may not include independently radially displaceable sections. In other words, embodiments of claim
  • the 1090 may be rigid, and not include slots or other structural aspects to facilitate expansion of the clamp 1090.
  • the clamp 1090 does not need to expand to allow insertion of the coaxial cable 10'.
  • the clamp 1090 comprises a first end 1092, a second end 1094, a central passageway 1096, and a central annular recess 1100 defined between a first protruded edge 1098 that extends radially inward proximate the first end 1092 and a second protruded edge 1102 that extends radially inward proximate the second end 1094.
  • the first end 1092 of the clamp 1090 functions as another compression surface that assists in the collapsing of the first exposed corrugation ' 17 of the outer conductor ' 14 of the coaxial cable 10', under the condition that the compression surface, mentioned above, is brought into proximity with the first end 1092 of the clamp 1090, the compression member 1060 is axially compressed/displaced onto the connector body 1020 to move to a closed position, as shown in FIG. 17.
  • the clamp 1090 may be disposed around the outer conductive strand layer 14', wherein the inner surface may threadably engage the outer conductive strand 14' and the cable jacket 12' in a closed position.
  • the inner surface of the clamp 1090 may include a grooved portion, wherein the grooved portion corresponds to an outer surface of the outer conductive strand layer 14'.
  • Embodiments of the clamp 1090 may include a grooved portion with threads or grooves that correspond with a helical or spiral corrugated outer conductor, such as Superflex ® cable. Because the clamp 1090 is rigid and has an inner surface having grooves in a spiral or helical pattern to accommodate a spiral or helical pattern of the outer conductor 14', an installer may thread the cable 10' into mechanical engagement with the clamp 1090, which ensures proper installation (e.g. fully inserted cable 10'). In other words, the clamp 1090 is configured to facilitate threadable insertion of the coaxial cable 10'.
  • Embodiments of connector 1000 may further comprise a clamp push ring 1120.
  • Embodiments of the clamp push ring 1120 may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of the clamp push ring 120 describes supra.
  • the clamp push ring 1120 is structurally configured to slidably engage the central shoulder of 1068 of the compression member 1060.
  • the clamp push ring 1120 may further comprise a first end 1126 that is structured to functionally engage the second end 1094 of the clamp 1090.
  • the compression member 1060 is structured to functionally engage the clamp 1090 directly, such that axial advancement of the compression member 1060 results in the axial advancement of the clamp 1090.
  • the prepared cable end is disposable in the connector 1000, and is shown disposed within the connector 1000 in FIG. 16, wherein the connector 1000 and the cable 10' are in an open position.
  • the prepared cable end is inserted into the inner bore 1066 of the compression member 1060 until the leading edge 11 ' of the corrugated outer conductor 14' engages the clamp 1090.
  • the cable 10' is further threadably axially advanced through the central passageway 1096 so that the
  • FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment of a closed position of connector 100 with the outer conductor 14' collapsed between the compression surfaces 1086, 1092. As the first exposed corrugation 17' engages the conductive compression ring 1080, it may deform against an angled surface (i.e.
  • pinched/collapsed/folded between the two cooperating compression surfaces is similar or the the same as described in association with connector 10 above, with the exception that the outer conductor 14' has a spiral corrugation, and the clamp 1090 is rigid (e.g. doesn't have to displace to allow entry of the cable 10', and facilitates threadable insertion of the cable 10').
  • FIGs. 19 and 20 depict an embodiment of connector 10, 1000 having a cover 500.
  • FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of connector 10, 1000 having a cover 500 in a first position.
  • FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment of connector 10, 1000 having a cover 500 in a second, sealing position.
  • Cover 500 may be a seal, a sealing member, a sealing boot, a sealing boot assembly, and the like, that may be quickly installed and/or removed over a connector, such as connector 10, 1000, and may terminate at a bulkhead of a port or at a sliced connection with another coaxial cable connector of various sizes/shapes.
  • Cover 500 can protect the cable connectors or other components from the environment, such as moisture and other environmental elements, and can maintain its sealing properties regardless of temperature fluctuations.
  • Embodiments of cover 500 may be a cover for a connector 10, 1000 adapted to terminate a cable 10, wherein the cover 500 comprises an elongated body 560 comprising a cable end 501 and a coupler end 502, an interior surface 503 and an exterior surface 504, wherein the elongated body 560 extends along a longitudinal axis 505.
  • the interior surface 503 can include a first region 510 adapted to cover at least a portion of the cable 10 and can extend from the cable end 501 to a first shoulder, wherein the first region is of a minimum, first cross-sectional diameter.
  • the interior surface 503 may further include a second region 520 which is adapted to cover at least the connector body portion 550 and which may extend from the first shoulder to a second shoulder.
  • the second region 520 may have a minimum, second cross-sectional diameter that is greater than the minimum, first cross-sectional diameter.
  • the interior surface 503 may further include a third region 530 which is adapted to cover at least a portion of the connector 200 and which extends from the second shoulder to the coupler end 502.
  • the third region 530 may have a minimum, third cross-sectional diameter that is greater than the minimum, second cross-sectional diameter.
  • Further embodiments of the cover 500 may include a plurality of circumferential grooves 515 to provide strain relief as the cover moves from the first position to the second position.
  • the circumferential grooves 515 can extend less than completely around the
  • cover 500 may comprise an elastomeric material that maintains its sealing abilities during temperature fluctuations.
  • the cover 500 is made of silicone rubber.
  • a method of connecting a compression connector to a coaxial cable may include the steps of providing a connector body 1020 having a first end 1022 and a second end 1024, a compression member 1060 configured to be axially compressed onto the connector body 1020, a clamp 1090 disposed within the connector body 1020, the clamp 1090 configured to facilitate threadable insertion of a coaxial cable 10', at least two cooperating surfaces, the cooperating surfaces configured to collapse one or more corrugations 17'of an outer conductor 14 'of the coaxial cable 10' therebetween when the connector 1000 moves into a closed position, threadably advancing a coaxial cable 10' into the connector body 1020, wherein a spiral corrugated outer conductor 14' of the coaxial cable 10' threadably mates with a spiral grooved portion of an inner surface of the clamp 1090, and axially compressing the compression member 1060 onto the connector body 1020 to move the connector 1000 to a closed position.
  • a condition can exist where a non-uniform portion of a conductor of a coaxial cable, such as an outer conductor 14 of connector embodiments 10 that is not cut perpendicular to the central axis 2, or an outer conductor 14' of connector embodiment 1000 having a non-symmetric helical shape, may be axially irregularly disposed within a connector 10, 1000, such that when the nonuniform portion of the conductor 14, 14' of the coaxial cable 200, 10' is compressed between the clamp 90, 1090 and a compression surface, such as cooperating surfaces 86, 92, 337, 381 and
  • connector embodiments 10 when the connector embodiments 10, 1000 are attached to the coaxial cable200, 10' in a compressed position, at least a portion of the clamp 90, 1090 malleably deforms in conformance with a variable axial thickness of the non-uniform compressed portion of the conductor 14, 14' of the coaxial cable 200, 10'.
  • Connector designs that facilitate uniform high pressure contact between a cable conductor, such as outer conductor 14, 14', and a contacting element of the connector typically result in acceptable performance characteristics, particularly with respect to passive intermodulation (PIM). Ordinarily it is effective to incorporate rigid metal contact elements to avoid low or degrading amounts of contact pressure over the life of the connector.
  • PIM passive intermodulation
  • variable thickness which variability affects PIM and other performance characteristics
  • One way to address this variable thickness is to capture the axially irregular conductor or the coaxial cable between irregular cooperating surfaces, which have been specifically shaped to accommodate the variable thickness.
  • cooperating compression surfaces can be helically modified and then carefully phase aligned with one another, as well as with the cable 10'. Such modification is difficult and costly in practice, and may not adequately account for variations in the cable conductor resulting from manufacture and/or preparation at the time of installation.
  • a unique and inventive approach to addressing the problems associated with axially irregular conductor elements of coaxial cables may involve the incorporation of a cooperating
  • a connector 10, 1000 may include a clamp 90, 1090, wherein the clamp 90, 1090 is at least partially constructed from a material which can malleably deform, such that a cooperating malleable compression surface 92, 382, 1092 of the clamp 90, 1090 acts to support the crumpled, captured or otherwise compressed axially irregular conductor, such as conductor 14, 14', regardless of axially uniform alignment or thickness of the conductor 14, 14' when compressed against the cooperating malleable compression surface 92, 382, 1092.
  • Embodiments of a compression connector 10, 100 may comprise a connector body 20, 1020 having a first end, such as first end 22, a second end, such as second end 24, and an inner bore, such as inner bore 26, defined between the first and second ends of the connector body 20, 1020.
  • a connector 10, 1000 may also comprise a compression member 60, 1060 having a first end, such as first end 62, a second end, such as second end 64, and an inner bore, such as inner bore 66, defined between the first and second ends, the compression member 60, 1060 being axially movable with respect to the connector body 20, 1020.
  • a connector 10, 1000 may comprise a compression surface, such as a compression surface 86, 337 and 381, located axially between the first end, such as end 22, of the connector body 20, 1020 and the second end, such as end 64, of the compression member 60, 1060.
  • embodiments of a connector 10, 1000 may comprise a clamp, such as clamp 90, 1090, wherein the clamp has a first end, such as a first end 92, a second end, such as second end 94, and an inner bore, such as an inner bore 96, defined between the first and second ends of the clamp 90, 1090, wherein at least a portion of the clamp 90, 1090 is structured to engage a conductor, such as conductor 14, 14', of a coaxial cable, such as coaxial cable 200, 10'.
  • the compression surface of embodiments of the connector 10, 1000 may be a portion of a clamp 90, 1090, such as surface 92, 382.
  • Embodiments of a connector 10, 1000 may include a clamp, such as clamp 90, 1090, wherein the clamp 90, 1090 is at least partially constructed from a malleable material.
  • a malleable material may be plastic, such as a polyetherimide (PEI) material having a repeating molecular unit of C37H24O6N2 and a molecular weight of approximately 592 g/mol.
  • PEI polyetherimide
  • An Ultem® brand of PEI may offer advantageous properties including a high dielectric strength, natural flame resistance, and low smoke generation, as well as high mechanical properties and acceptable performance in continuous use to 340°F (170°C).
  • clamp 90, 1090 may include at least a portion that is at least partially constructed from a malleable metallic material, such as, but not limited to: gold, silver, lead, copper, aluminum, tin, platinum, zinc, nickel, or alloys derived from any combination therefrom.
  • the malleable portion of the connector 10, 1000 may help facilitate physical and electrical conformance to an axial irregularity (like a non-uniform axial thickness) of a portion of the conductor of the coaxial cable 200, 10' that may be compressed between at least two cooperating surfaces, such as surfaces 92, 382, 1092 of the clamp 90, 1090, and/or the cooperating surfaces, such as surfaces 86, 337, and 381, or other connector 10, 1000 components which are configured to compress an axially irregular portion of the conductor of the coaxial cable, such as portions 700a and 700b (shown in FIG. 21) or the unlabeled portion shown in FIG. 18, therebetween so as to ensure acceptable performance characteristics, particularly with respect satisfactory amounts of PIM and/or signal return loss.
  • malleable components of a connector 10, 1000 may be more likely to creep, than if made from rigid material, those in the art should appreciate that it is possible to produce an embodiment of a connector 10, 1000 which does not lose its "grip" of the conductor, such as conductor 14, 14', over time - in other words, the connector will still have acceptable physical electrical engagement with a cable conductor through extended use over durations of time experiencing repetitive daily or seasonal temperature and other environmental changes.
  • the material properties of components of the connector 10, 1000, such as the clamp 90, 1090 or other features associated with malleable cooperating surfaces can be selected for durable usage.
  • malleable components such as the clamp 90, 1090
  • a malleable cooperating surface of embodiments of a connector 10, 1000 may comprise a portion of a surface integral with the connector body 20, 1020 that radially extends to an inner bore 26, 1026 of the connector body 20, 1020.
  • a method of connecting a connector 10, 1000 to a coaxial cable 200, 10' may include a step of providing a connector body 20, 1020 having a first end, such as first end 22, and a second end, such as second end 24.
  • An additional step may comprise providing a compression member 60, 1060 that is axially moveable with respect to the connector body 20, 1020, and is disposed between the first end, such as first end 22, of the connector body and the second end, such as second end 64, of the compression member 60, 1060.
  • a further step may include providing a clamp 90, 1090 configured to facilitate engagement of a conductor 14, 14' of the coaxial cable 200, 10'.
  • a methodological step may include providing at least two cooperating surfaces, such as surfaces 86, 92, 337, 381 and 382, of connector embodiments 10, and surfaces 1086 and 1092 of connector embodiment 1000, wherein one of the at least two cooperating structures is malleable.
  • Further methodology for connecting a connector 10, 1000 to a coaxial cable 200, 10' may include advancing a coaxial cable 200, 10' into the connector 10' 1000, wherein the conductor 14, 14' of the coaxial cable 200, 10' engages the clamp 90, 1090.
  • Still further methodology may include axially compressing the compression member 60, 1060 with respect to connector body 20, 1020, thereby compressing the conductor 14, 14' of the coaxial cable 200, 10' between the at least two cooperating surfaces, such as surfaces 86, 92, 337, 381 and 382, of connector embodiments 10, and surfaces 1086 and 1092 of connector embodiment 1000, in a manner so as to render variable thickness to axial portions 700a, 700b of the conductor 14, 14' of the coaxial cable 200, 10' compressed therebetween, wherein the malleable cooperating surface, such as one of the surfaces 86, 92, 337, 381 and 382, of connector embodiments 10, or surfaces 1086 and 1092 of connector embodiment 1000, deforms in conformance with the variable axial thickness of the compressed portion 700a, 700b of the conductor 14, 14' of the coaxial cable 200, 10'.
  • FIGs 8-13 depict a female type connector for connection to a separate male component.
  • FIGs 8-13 depict a female type connector for connection to a separate male component.
  • the structure and functionality pertaining to all connector embodiments 10, 1000 shown in any of FIGs 1-21 can and should be designed to maintain a coaxial form across the connection and have similar well- defined impedance as matched with the attached cable.
  • variously sized connectors 10, 1000 can and should be made to effectively operate with correspondingly sized cables.
  • connectors 10, 1000 can be operably adapted to DIN-type connectors, BNC- type connectors, TNC-type connectors, N-type connectors, and other like coaxial cable connectors having structure and functionality that is operably commensurate with the connector embodiments 10, 1000 described herein.
  • FIG. 16 shows a blown-up cross-section view of a portion of an embodiment of a connector 10 as attached to a coaxial cable 200.
  • the coaxial cable 200 may include an inner conductor 202 surrounded by an inner dielectric insulator 204.
  • the inner conductor 202 may be formed of solid conductive material, or may be a hollow conductive member.
  • the inner dielectric insulator 204 may be similar to those inner dielectric insulators discussed previously.
  • An outer conductor 206 may surround the inner dielectric insulator 204.
  • the outer conductor 206 may be tube-like, and may be solid in form or may be comprised of various braided or wrapped conductive layers.
  • the geometry of the outer conductor 206 may be smooth, corrugated, helical, or other operable configurations.
  • the cable 200 is shown attached to the connector 10 in a second state, the cable components 200 having been compressed into secure mechanical position within the connector 10 from a first state via axial compression.
  • the first insulator 40 resides proximate the conductive compression ring 80, which, in turn, resides proximate the clamp 90 of the connector 10, with a portion of the outer conductor 206 of the cable 200 mechanically sandwiched between the cooperating compression surface 381 of the conductive compression ring 80 and the corresponding cooperating compression surface 382 of the movable clamp 90.
  • the clamp 90 may be solid or slotted.
  • the sandwiched section of the outer conductor 206 comprises a collapsed corrugation portion 215a having a rogue leading edge 226a that hangs away from or otherwise resides apart from the rest of the collapsed corrugated portion 215a.
  • a connector embodiment 10 When a connector embodiment 10 is attached to a coaxial cable 200 in a manner that permits the positioning of a rogue conductive member, such as the hanging leading edge 226a, there may be undesirable ramifications related to passive intermodulation (PIM) and return loss, with respect to matching the impedance properties of the connector 10 to the impedance properties of the attached cable 200. Unmatched impedance can lead to problems in signal integrity disrupting signal transmission through the cable 200 and the connector 10 and on to connected communications devices. As a result, there is a need for structure and functionality that helps prevent the presence of rogue conductive members within a coaxial cable connector.
  • PIM passive intermodulation
  • Connector embodiments 10 may be provided with structural components to help guide conductive members into desirable locations as the conductive members are displaced during compressive attachment of the coaxial cable 200 to the connector 10.
  • FIG. 17 depicts another connector embodiment 10 having a conductor displacement guiding member 500.
  • the conductor displacement guiding member 500 exists as a sleeve integrally extending from the first insulator 40.
  • embodiments of a conductor displacement guiding member 500 may also exist as independent components, such as separate rings and bushings, and/or as a structural feature integrated with the conductive compression ring 80.
  • a conductor displacement guiding member 500 may be formed of either conductive or non-conductive materials, or a combination thereof, and considerations with respect to impedance matching are important to the location and material make-up of conductor displacement guiding member embodiments 500.
  • the embodiment of the conductor displacement guiding member 500 shown in FIG. 17 may be formed of a
  • polyetherimide plastic such as an Ultem® resin
  • advantageous properties including a high dielectric strength, natural flame resistance, and low smoke generation, as well as high mechanical properties and acceptable performance in continuous use to 340°F (170°C).
  • An embodiment of a conductor displacement guiding member 500 may be located within a connector 10 in a manner permitting prescribed contact with conductive members, such as an outer conductor 206, to help guide the conductive member into a desirable location as it is displaced during attachment of the coaxial cable 200.
  • the conductor displacement guiding member 500 may include guiding structures, such as the ramped guiding surface 581, configured to contact and then act upon the guided leading edge 226b as the outer conductor 206 is displaced, such that a guided collapsed corrugation portion 215b operably resides between cooperating surfaces 381 and 371 of the conductive compression ring 80 and the movable clamp
  • the conductor displacement guiding member 500 helps guide the leading edge 226b to a desired location tucked up near the collapsed corrugation portion 215b.
  • the conductive displacement guiding member 500 aids in locating the outer conductor 206 such that it is centered, and that the end 226b of the outer conductor 206 folds into a collapsed corrugation portion 215b more predictably.
  • connector embodiments of the connector 10 do not suffer the impedance, PIM, and return loss drawbacks associated with connectors having rogue conductive members, such as the rogue leading edge 226a shown in FIG. 16. Return loss and PIM are minimized through guided locating of the leading edge 226a of the outer conductor 206, thereby facilitating impedance matching.
  • Connector embodiments 10 including conductor displacement guiding members 500 may operably incorporate structure similar to the connector structure described above with respect to FIGs 1-15. Consideration toward cost and ease of assembly can guide those in the art to incorporation of conductor displacement guiding members 500 that ensure good connector 10 performance.
  • FIGs 8-13 depict a female type connector for connection to a separate male component.
  • FIGs 8-13 depict a female type connector for connection to a separate male component.
  • the structure and functionality pertaining to all connector embodiments 10 shown in any of FIGs 1-17 can and should be designed to maintain a coaxial form across the connection and have similar well- defined impedance as matched with the attached cable.
  • variously sized connectors 10 can and should be made to effectively operate with correspondingly sized cables.
  • connectors 10 can be operably adapted to DIN-type connectors, BNC-type connectors, TNC-type connectors, N-type connectors, and other like coaxial cable connectors having structure and functionality that is operably commensurate with the connector

Landscapes

  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un connecteur à compression à raccorder à un câble coaxial. Le connecteur à compression présente un premier état permettant de l'ajuster sur une extrémité du câble, puis peut être comprimé dans un second état, ce qui permet de raccorder le connecteur et le câble pour produire un ensemble câble coaxial. Le connecteur est composé d'un corps de connecteur tubulaire et d'un capuchon de compression structuré pour coopérer par coulissement avec la seconde extrémité du corps tubulaire. Le connecteur est également conçu de manière interne avec des moyens destinés à écraser la première ondulation exposée du conducteur extérieur du câble coaxial dans la direction axiale lorsque le capuchon de compression est comprimé sur le corps.
PCT/US2011/055429 2010-10-08 2011-10-07 Ensemble connecteur pour câble coaxial ondulé WO2012048260A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2813998A CA2813998A1 (fr) 2010-10-08 2011-10-07 Ensemble connecteur pour cable coaxial ondule
KR1020137011884A KR20130126909A (ko) 2010-10-08 2011-10-07 주름형 동축 케이블의 커넥터 어셈블리
MX2013003793A MX2013003793A (es) 2010-10-08 2011-10-07 Montaje conector para cable coaxial corrugado.
AU2011311815A AU2011311815A1 (en) 2010-10-08 2011-10-07 Connector assembly for corrugated coaxial cable
EP11773943.3A EP2625752A1 (fr) 2010-10-08 2011-10-07 Ensemble connecteur pour câble coaxial ondulé
BR112013008467A BR112013008467A2 (pt) 2010-10-08 2011-10-07 conjunto de conctor para cabos coaxiais corrugados,conector de compressão e método para conectar um conector de compressão a um cabo coaxial''

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US39129010P 2010-10-08 2010-10-08
US61/391,290 2010-10-08
US13/077,582 US8449325B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2011-03-31 Connector assembly for corrugated coaxial cable
US13/077,582 2011-03-31
US13/178,490 US8435073B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2011-07-08 Connector assembly for corrugated coaxial cable
US13/178,490 2011-07-08
US13/228,441 2011-09-08
US13/228,441 US8430688B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2011-09-08 Connector assembly having deformable clamping surface
US13/228,445 US8439703B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2011-09-09 Connector assembly for corrugated coaxial cable
US13/228,445 2011-09-09

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012048260A1 true WO2012048260A1 (fr) 2012-04-12
WO2012048260A9 WO2012048260A9 (fr) 2012-05-31

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PCT/US2011/055429 WO2012048260A1 (fr) 2010-10-08 2011-10-07 Ensemble connecteur pour câble coaxial ondulé

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2625752A1 (fr)
KR (1) KR20130126909A (fr)
CN (2) CN203026653U (fr)
AU (1) AU2011311815A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2813998A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2013003793A (fr)
TW (1) TW201232970A (fr)
WO (1) WO2012048260A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9214771B2 (en) 2011-06-01 2015-12-15 John Mezzalingua Associates, LLC Connector for a cable
US9257780B2 (en) 2012-08-16 2016-02-09 Ppc Broadband, Inc. Coaxial cable connector with weather seal
WO2021055183A1 (fr) * 2019-09-16 2021-03-25 Commscope Technologies Llc Connecteur coaxial à contact interne axialement flottant
WO2022150169A1 (fr) * 2021-01-05 2022-07-14 Commscope Technologies Llc Ensembles câble coaxial et connecteur
WO2023283027A1 (fr) * 2021-07-09 2023-01-12 Commscope Technologies Llc Ensembles câble coaxial et connecteur et procédés d'assemblage de ceux-ci

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EP2625752A1 (fr) * 2010-10-08 2013-08-14 John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc. Ensemble connecteur pour câble coaxial ondulé
BR112016015026A2 (pt) * 2013-12-24 2017-08-08 Ppc Broadband Inc Um conector que possui um engatador de condutor interno
EP3097612B1 (fr) * 2014-01-20 2018-08-22 Schneider Electric IT Corporation Ensemble connecteur de barre omnibus et son procédé de montage
US10218132B2 (en) * 2016-11-04 2019-02-26 Corning Optical Communications Rf Llc Post-less, self-gripping connector for a coaxial cable
CN106653198A (zh) * 2016-12-09 2017-05-10 晋源电气集团股份有限公司 一种连接性好的电力电缆
CN106683765A (zh) * 2016-12-09 2017-05-17 晋源电气集团股份有限公司 一种抗扭曲的电缆
CN114514658A (zh) * 2019-07-29 2022-05-17 约翰·梅扎林瓜联合股份有限公司 用于压缩式连接器的被动两件式内导体

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US9257780B2 (en) 2012-08-16 2016-02-09 Ppc Broadband, Inc. Coaxial cable connector with weather seal
WO2021055183A1 (fr) * 2019-09-16 2021-03-25 Commscope Technologies Llc Connecteur coaxial à contact interne axialement flottant
US11355880B2 (en) 2019-09-16 2022-06-07 Commscope Technologies Llc Coaxial connector with axially-floating inner contact
WO2022150169A1 (fr) * 2021-01-05 2022-07-14 Commscope Technologies Llc Ensembles câble coaxial et connecteur
WO2023283027A1 (fr) * 2021-07-09 2023-01-12 Commscope Technologies Llc Ensembles câble coaxial et connecteur et procédés d'assemblage de ceux-ci

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CA2813998A1 (fr) 2012-04-12
CN203026653U (zh) 2013-06-26
KR20130126909A (ko) 2013-11-21
WO2012048260A9 (fr) 2012-05-31
EP2625752A1 (fr) 2013-08-14
CN102544783A (zh) 2012-07-04
TW201232970A (en) 2012-08-01
MX2013003793A (es) 2013-08-08
AU2011311815A1 (en) 2013-05-02

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